Tips for Finding Ultra Cheap Clothing Deals and Steals

While I have always been an intrepid shopper, the world of second-hand clothing has become an adventure and pastime with good results for both my wardrobe and budget. Living on one income has taken me to new lows in funds available, but allowed me to score killer deals and even free wares when scouring the city to clothe my clan.

1. Thrift Store Bargain Days

Most large thrift stores have at least one day a week or month where they discount some or most of the clothing. One of my favorites is the local Goodwill store's monthly 99 cent sale, where I have found a shirt, jeans, a purse, and shoes. Voila! I'm dressed from head to toe for less than five dollars.

2. The Church Basement

Church rummage sales are a panacea of clothing piles which provide maximum selection in one stop. While some people prefer to arrive early for best pick, I've found I can get more for my money by coming in the last few hours of the sale. Then, for a dollar or two a bag (or sometimes even for free!) I have walked away with great clothing finds for the whole family.

A variation on this theme is a church clothing exchange. In my current city, several of the larger churches have free exchanges of clothing for people of the congregation. While the quality might not be quite as good as at a sale, there are almost always a few items worth bringing home.

3. Neighborhood Garage Sales

Garage sales can be hit-or-miss when it comes to real clothing bargains. The trick is finding sales where people are more interested in getting rid of quality clothes than charging you several dollars per item. With time and gas at a premium, I have found it best to limit looking to garage sales that I can walk to in my neighborhood. Or I find a cluster of garage sales, like at a neighborhood garage sale in a housing edition, where I can park and walk to several sales in one stop.

4. Consignment Sales

These short-term events seem to be popping up like crazy in recent years, and usually they are focused more on children's clothes. I have sold items at one of these sales as well, which entitled me to shop before the doors opened to the public. Again, on the last day of the sale, prices usually drop to half, so if it is a really good sale, I recommend going early and again on half-price day.

These bargain hunting strategies not only save my family money, they help us go green by perusing pre-worn (an sometimes unworn) fashions that are likely to cost less than a gallon of gasoline. By catching on to where and when to find the best deals on clothing, I have found that even pocket change can still go quite a ways.